What It Takes to Become a Great Product Manager in the Age of Digital Media

What It Takes to Become a Great Product Manager in the Age of Digital Media

Introduction:
In today's digital landscape, the role of a product manager (PM) has evolved significantly. While there are core competencies and emotional intelligence (EQ) that are essential for any aspiring PM, it is also crucial to consider company fit. Additionally, the rise of the internet and social media has had a profound impact on the media industry, changing the way information is disseminated and consumed. In this article, we will explore the commonalities between becoming a great PM and the transformation of the media landscape.

Core Competencies:
The foundation of a great PM lies in their core competencies. These include conducting customer interviews, user testing, and market assessments. The best PMs refine these skills over time through defining, shipping, and iterating on products. Additionally, defining and tracking success metrics is crucial for measuring the impact of their product. By continuously honing these competencies, PMs can ensure the success of their products in the market.

Emotional Intelligence:
While technical skills and knowledge are important, emotional intelligence sets great PMs apart from the rest. It is not enough for a PM to simply know the ins and outs of customer interviews; they must also possess the ability to empathize with customers, understand their pain points, and address them effectively. Relationship management skills are equally vital, as PMs need to build authentic connections with internal and external stakeholders to inspire and support them. Self-awareness and self-management are essential to remain objective and handle the stress and conflicting demands of the role. Social awareness, including empathy and organizational awareness, allows PMs to understand the concerns of various teams and stakeholders.

Company Fit:
Finding the right company fit is crucial for a PM's success. Different companies have varying expectations and philosophies regarding the role of PMs in the product development process. Technical skill requirements, the influence of PMs on engineering, and the collaboration between PMs and engineers differ from one company to another. The stage of the company also plays a role, with startups often requiring PMs to be involved in multiple aspects of product development, while mature companies may have more defined roles for PMs. Understanding the relationship between the founder/CTO/CEO and the PM is essential, as it determines the level of involvement and support.

The Internet's Impact on Media:
The rise of the internet has revolutionized the media industry, challenging traditional institutions and giving the public a voice. Social media platforms, especially Twitter, have become the primary source of news and information for many. This shift has flattened the relationship between elites and the general public, as anyone can now become a content creator or journalist. While the explosion of truth has exposed the superficiality of existing media institutions, it has also led to a cacophony of voices and conflicting truths. The internet and social media have accelerated the OODA (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) loop, with Twitter being the fastest loop across the entire internet. As a result, what takes off on Twitter often influences reality perception in other platforms.

Conclusion:
Becoming a great PM requires a combination of core competencies, emotional intelligence, and finding the right company fit. These factors contribute to the success of a PM in creating and iterating on products. Similarly, the internet has transformed the media landscape, giving rise to new voices and challenging traditional notions of journalism. While the fragmentation of information may create confusion, it also leads to cultural innovation and the exploration of various perspectives. As we navigate the digital age, it is essential for both aspiring PMs and media professionals to adapt and embrace the opportunities and challenges presented by the internet.

Actionable Advice:

1. Continuously develop your core competencies by conducting customer interviews, user testing, and market assessments. Define and track success metrics to measure the impact of your product.
2. Cultivate emotional intelligence by empathizing with customers, building strong relationships with stakeholders, and developing self-awareness and self-management skills.
3. Find the right company fit by understanding the technical skill requirements, the company's philosophy about product development, and the dynamics between PMs and engineering. Consider the stage of the company and the level of involvement of the founder/CTO/CEO in the product process.

In summary, becoming a great PM and navigating the changing media landscape require adaptability, continuous learning, and the ability to connect with people. By understanding the core competencies, emotional intelligence, and finding the right company fit, aspiring PMs can thrive in the digital age. Similarly, acknowledging the impact of the internet on media and embracing the opportunities it presents allows media professionals to stay relevant and contribute to the cultural innovation of our time.